Orca Behavior Institute Presents: Familial Connections Among the Southern Residents

Many animals have nests, dens, burrows, hives, or caves that serve as home bases, but for orcas, who are constantly on the move, their families are their homes. Resident orcas are especially unique in the animal kingdom in that they have no natal dispersal from their matrilineal groups, with both male and females staying with their mothers for their entire lives. These family ties form the core of Southern Resident orca society and help define how they travel, communicate, and survive. In this talk, Monika will tell stories of some of the familial relationships among the Southern Residents, known thanks to the decades of research and observation from dedicated whale scientists and advocates. She will also answer your questions about what we know and don't know about the social lives of orcas, with a focus on how families define Southern Resident orca culture.